Ramblings, Thoughts and Rants from an Urban Dweller Living in Dignowity Hill, San Antonio Texas

Photo Credit and Photo Copyright

The photographs of San Antonio and Dignowity Hill used within this blog are the property of Juan A Garcia East Light Images. All rights are reserved to the owner. Copy and use of these pictures is forbidden without written permission. Contact Juan at jagarciatx@gmail.com for permission.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Lockwood Park Is Moving on Up!

The rock seating installation in Lockwood Park is moving along nicely. Workers have been working feverishly for the last couple weeks and we're starting see visible progress! Once completed the are will be transformed into a nice gathering space with a great view of downtown!
The project was the award winning submission of the Lighter Quicker Cheaper neighborhood revitalization contest sponsored by Texas Public Radio (TPR). The idea for the concept came from a Dignowity Hill resident who thought it would be cool to improve the seating in one of the parks to view the downtown fireworks displays. Working with neighborhood residents, the city's Parks and Recreation department and TPR the final concept for the seating was decided upon in September. The project will be completed by the time the annual Pushcart Derby rolls around on Oct 27, 2012 when the seating will be dedicated and celebrated!

Search This Blog

About Me

I'm a life long resident of San Antonio. I'm a lover of old houses, architecture, old neighborhoods, history, photography, art, good food and old cemeteries. My wife, Barb and I move into Dignowity Hill in 2007 after restoring our current home. Our house was built in 1909. The house, which we named Rose, has brought us immense joy living in it and being a part of the Dignowity community. We are both active in community activities and truly believe in the notion of building community.

About Dignowity Hill

Dignowity Hill is located on the near east side, 2 miles from downtown San Antonio. Found on the National Historic Registry of Neighborhoods, it is named for Anthony Michael Dignowity, a Czech-American writer, public official and medical doctor who was born in Kuttenburg, Bohemia in 1810.

Dignowity immigrated to the US in 1831. He came to San Antonio from Nachez, Mississippi with a group of volunteers for the Mexican War. Dr. Dignowity built his home, often called Harmony House, on a hillside with a fine view of downtown San Antonio. The land remains as present day Dignowity Park. Dignowity sold plots of the surrounding land with its fine breezes to his various well-heeled friends.Noted San Antonio families such as the Friedrichs, Elmendorfs, Lockwoods and Otts built homes in this area. According to the San Antonio Historic Society, the area was first settled as estates with one house per block in the 1850’s. The homes were typically two story, constructed of limestone and brick, and reflected the best designs of their time.

Dignowity Hill Historic District: within the boundaries of the neighborhood lies the Dignowity Hill Historic District. The district was established to preserve the unique cultural and historic character of the area.

Revitalization: The neighborhood is currently experiencing a surge of revitalization as investors and property owners are restoring some of the grand old homes in the area. The neighborhood is centrally located with easy access to downtown San Antonio. St. Paul Square, the Alamodome, the Carver Cultural Center, restaurants and other attractions are easily accessible from the neighborhood.